<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
    <channel>
        <atom:link href="http://www.murphyrealtygrp.com/blog/rss/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
        <title>Ulster County Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.murphyrealtygrp.com/blog/</link>
        <description>Ulster County Real Estate Blog - Read about the latest Ulster County real estate news, market conditions, learn about open houses, get the latest Hudson Valley information with the #1 blog in the Hudson Valley!</description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.murphyrealtygrp.com/blog/stone-ridge-ny-home-for-sale.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.murphyrealtygrp.com/blog/stone-ridge-ny-home-for-sale.html</link>
            <author>Info@MurphyRealtyGrp.com (Murphy Realty Group)</author>
            <title>Stone Ridge NY Home For Sale</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Just Listed - Stone Ridge NY Home For Sale On 4+ Acres With Beautiful Mountain Views





Just a few minutes from the center of Stone Ridge, but privately situated at the end of a long paved driveway on 4+ acres, you will find this custom-built, cedar-sided ranch. Take in the mountain views and landscaped front yard with flowering trees while relaxing on the open front porch. As you step inside the living/great room you will be impressed by the massive bluestone fireplace, vaulted ceiling, newly-refinished, random-width birch and maple floors and freshly painted interior. The relaxed flow of this home makes for easy living or entertaining with the large dining room opening to the back deck. A quiet master suite is separated from the family room and other bedrooms. In addition to the 2-car attached garage, there is plenty of room for the hobbyist or outdoorsman to store all their equipment in the separate 20’ x 30’ barn/shed or 1-car garage under the house. These original owners have lovingly maintained this home and it shows!


View the full listing details here: 3330 Route 209, Stone Ridge NY




 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 11 May 2012 15:32:29 -0400</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.murphyrealtygrp.com/blog/just-listed-stunning-county-cape-home-for-sale-in-saugerties-ny.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.murphyrealtygrp.com/blog/just-listed-stunning-county-cape-home-for-sale-in-saugerties-ny.html</link>
            <author>Info@MurphyRealtyGrp.com (Murphy Realty Group)</author>
            <title>Just Listed - Stunning Country Cape Home For Sale In Saugerties NY</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Saugerties NY Home For Sale: MLS 20121894 - 78 Canterbury Dr., Saugerties NY 12477


Open House This Sunday; 1-4PM








This home boasts 4 BR’s &amp; 3 1/2 baths and features a gorgeous spacious Kitchen that includes Granite, maple cabinets &amp; stainless appliances. Gleaming hardwood floors &amp; a 1st floor Master BR Suite! The 2nd floor has large Family room, 2 spacious bedrooms &amp; a full bath. Enjoy the charming front porch or head to the back yard for a BBQ. 2 car garage has bonus room above &amp; the full dry basement is waiting to be finished. A Must see, stop by and take a look Sunday, May 6th from 1-4PM. 


Directions: 78 Canterbury Dr., Saugerties - From Saugerties Village, take Route 9W South to left onto Josephs Dr. into Bishop’s Gate, to left onto Canterbury Dr., to # 78 on the right. Look for our signs!!


View the full listing details here: 78 Canterbury Dr., Saugerties NY

 

 

For More information, call:


Jeanne Boice (914) 388-7405
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 03 May 2012 13:38:54 -0400</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.murphyrealtygrp.com/blog/looking-for-a-great-investment.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.murphyrealtygrp.com/blog/looking-for-a-great-investment.html</link>
            <author>Info@MurphyRealtyGrp.com (Murphy Realty Group)</author>
            <title>Looking For A Great Investment?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
In the fun and charming Village of Saugerties sits a three unit multi family property, close to everything! Partially remodeled, you can move into unit one while you finish the renovations and rent out the other two! Units two and three have been remodeled with hickory cabinets and ceramic tiles. All units have separate utilities which makes things simple and easy. Also included in this sale is a four bay garage that generates an extra $150 per month, off street parking is another feature that makes this property valuable!






 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:19:55 -0400</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.murphyrealtygrp.com/blog/a-few-first-time-home-buyer-tips.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.murphyrealtygrp.com/blog/a-few-first-time-home-buyer-tips.html</link>
            <author>Info@MurphyRealtyGrp.com (Murphy Realty Group)</author>
            <title>A Few First Time Home Buyer Tips</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
It is certainly nowhere as easy as going to the bank and stating your income on a piece of paper and getting approved these days. However, do not let that deter you. 


The very first thing to do when you decide to purchase a home is look at your credit report, know your credit score! if there are blemishes on your credit, you will have to fix them before you can be approved to get a mortgage. Also, if there is something on your credit that you know should not be there, you may be able to get those removed. Make sure that you leave plenty of time to fix any problems that may affect your credit score. In other words, do not check your credit and expect to fix problems in only a month, leave about six months to fix these marks before applying for a mortgage.


Some home loans require much less than twenty percent down on a loan, but you should expect to pay that. Start saving for a down payment now! Lastly, figure out your budget, what exactly you can spend on a home and still have enough money for other necessities in life. Remember to know what you want in a home, the features and characteristics that are essential to you. Convey this to your real estate agent so that you all have a great understanding of what you are looking for.


This will certainly make the home buying process much easier!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:40:13 -0400</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.murphyrealtygrp.com/blog/perfect-starter-homes.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.murphyrealtygrp.com/blog/perfect-starter-homes.html</link>
            <author>Info@MurphyRealtyGrp.com (Murphy Realty Group)</author>
            <title>Perfect Starter Homes</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
It is true that buying a home is cheaper than renting. Reasons for this is that home prices continue to fall and mortgage rates are at historically low levels, and rents are on the rise as more and more people are choosing rentals over buying. The prices of homes are also something to take into consideration. If home prices are on the rise, people are more likely to buy as they expect a bigger return on their investment. 


A great alternative to renting an apartment again, would be to buy a starter home. Just listed in a great neighborhood in Lake Katrine, this cute three bedroom ranch fits the bill. Close in proximity to Kingston, Saugerties and the NYS Thruway makes this a convenient choice. Whether you are using the bedrooms as an office and a guest room or starting a family, this home is suitable for many needs. 





If this particular style doesn't suit you, how about a more traditional Colonial for $179,000? Conveniently located in Cairo, this home has a wrap around fron porch to relax on and enjoy the weather. With two bedrooms and two full baths there is certainly enough space to enjoy, the attic is even full and finished. All on almost a quarter of an acre!





For all inquiries, please don't hesitate to call us at 845.338.5252, or visit our website!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:32:49 -0400</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.murphyrealtygrp.com/blog/5-tips-for-improving-your-credit-rating-before-you-purchase-a-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.murphyrealtygrp.com/blog/5-tips-for-improving-your-credit-rating-before-you-purchase-a-home.html</link>
            <author>Info@MurphyRealtyGrp.com (Murphy Realty Group)</author>
            <title>5 Tips for Improving Your Credit Rating Before You Purchase a Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you are like most people who are interested in purchasing a home, you don’t have enough money in your savings account to cover the entire cost. As such, you will need to go through a lending institution in order to obtain the money you need to purchase your home. To ensure you get the best rate and loan possible, it would be a good idea to take steps toward improving your credit rating before you start looking into your loan options. While improving your credit rating is a process that needs to be completed over time, it really is easier than you might think to improve your credit rating. Whether looking at Maryland luxury homes or a condo in Ulster County, here are 5 tips for improving your credit rating before you purchase a home.


Tip #1: Review Your Credit Report


Perhaps the simplest step you can take to improve your credit rating is to simply review your credit report. Thanks to new federal guidelines, you can obtain a free copy of your credit report every year by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com. Once you receive your credit report, review it carefully to ensure all of the information is correct. Even the slightest error, such as a mistake regarding the amount of your credit limit on a credit card, may have a negative effect on your credit rating.


Tip #2: Pay Your Bills on Time


The next step toward improving your credit rating is to make sure you are paying your bills on time. A history of late payment will have a negative impact on your credit rating, but a consistent history of on-time bill-paying will go a long way toward improving your credit score.


Tip #3: Pay Down Your Credit Cards


Carrying a large balance on your credit cards will negatively affect your credit rating. What is particularly important is how close your balance is to reaching the line of credit that has been granted to you. Carrying a $5,000 balance on a credit card with a $20,000 line of credit is not nearly as detrimental as carrying a $5,000 balance on a credit card with a $5,500 credit limit. Similarly, carrying $5,000 worth of credit card debt is not as detrimental if it is spread out over two or three credit cards as it would be on one card where your credit limit is being pushed.


Tip #4: Pay Off Debt


If you have the financial means to do so, it is in your best interest to pay off as many of your debts as possible. The less debt you have, the less of a financial risk you are to mortgage lenders. The lower your risk, the better rate you can expect to receive.


Tip #5: Maintain Employment Longevity


Individuals with a solid work history are considered less of a risk than those who have recently switched jobs. If you are considering making a career change, wait until after you have taken out a loan and closed on your new home.


 


About The Author - Kevin Koitz works with buyers and sellers with Georgetown real estate and other Maryland-area homes as a Realtor with the Koitz Group.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 30 Mar 2012 09:57:26 -0400</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.murphyrealtygrp.com/blog/what-is-most-important-when-selling-your-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.murphyrealtygrp.com/blog/what-is-most-important-when-selling-your-home.html</link>
            <author>Info@MurphyRealtyGrp.com (Murphy Realty Group)</author>
            <title>What Is Most Important When Selling Your Home?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
When buying or selling a house, what is the number one most important thing that we all look at, the kitchen. The kitchen is the center of the home, the place where family and friends gather for food and drink or just conversation. Even if your kitchen is tiny and only three people can fit in it at a time, it is and always will be the heart of the house. 


When you choose to start a remodel on your home, consider starting with the kitchen, it will give you the most return on your investment. However, there are a few things to consider before you start. Look at the homes in your area, go to some open houses, consult a real estate agent on what houses are selling for before you begin. If houses in your neighborhood are selling without granite, stainless steel appliances, tile, and travertine floors, do not upgrade to all of those things because you think they are worth more. If you live in a neighborhood where homes all have updated kitchens with top of the line products and your kitchen is still screaming 1970, then it is time for you to get your home in line with the others. When a prospective buyer walks into your home the first thing they will notice is if the kitchen works for them, if they have no updates to do, your home will sell quicker. 


Do not stress yourself, plan it out well and either do the work yourself if you can handle it, or hire a well reputed contractor. 


 


Call us any time to buy or sell a home!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:44:24 -0400</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.murphyrealtygrp.com/blog/capital-economics-expects-housing-crisis-to-end-in-2012.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.murphyrealtygrp.com/blog/capital-economics-expects-housing-crisis-to-end-in-2012.html</link>
            <author>Info@MurphyRealtyGrp.com (Murphy Realty Group)</author>
            <title>Capital Economics Expects Housing Crisis to End in 2012</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
 As banks are loosening credit, the housing crisis is expected to end this year, which is great news. This is due to the fact that mortgage lending has remained stable over the past three quarters, now in the forth, with the requirements of a credit score of 700. According to banks, they are now lending amounts up to 3.5 times borrower earnings, up from the low of 3.2 times borrower earnings. Banks are also loosening loan-to-value ratios, which Capital Economics denotes “the clearest sign yet of an improvement in mortgage credit conditions.”


With that said, if borrowing and credit conditions return to normal, maybe, just maybe, home sales will increase again!


Homes for sale!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 28 Mar 2012 11:55:13 -0400</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.murphyrealtygrp.com/blog/beautiful-home-in-kingston.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.murphyrealtygrp.com/blog/beautiful-home-in-kingston.html</link>
            <author>Info@MurphyRealtyGrp.com (Murphy Realty Group)</author>
            <title>Beautiful Home in Kingston</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Just came on the market in Ulster County NY! A pristine raised ranch style home sits on a quaint and quiet tree-lined street in one of Uptown Kingston's well cared for neighborhoods. This home has been completely renovated with full attention to detail, including impeccable landscaping. Gleaming rich tiger wood flooring runs throughout the entire main level. A custom kitchen with granite and stainless appliances add to its elegance. A slate patio for barbeques and relaxing during the warm months leads to a level, landscaped fenced yard with an above ground pool. This home was meant to be enjoyed inside and out! New windows and heating and cooling system make this home energy efficient, the bill for an entire year was approximately $1,500!


Don't miss this beautiful home!


  





  



 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:28:50 -0400</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.murphyrealtygrp.com/blog/proposed-tax-cut-for-first-time-homebuyers-in-ulster-county-ny.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.murphyrealtygrp.com/blog/proposed-tax-cut-for-first-time-homebuyers-in-ulster-county-ny.html</link>
            <author>Info@MurphyRealtyGrp.com (Murphy Realty Group)</author>
            <title>Proposed Tax Cut For First Time Homebuyers In Ulster County NY</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Ulster County Executive Mike Hein is proposing a property tax exemption for first time homebuyers who move into newly constructed homes or buy used existing or renovated homes.Ulster County Executive Mike Hein wants to keep up the momentum, by keeping first time homebuyers on the Ulster tax rolls. He's proposing to cut their property tax levy over five years by fifty percent in the first year of a newly constructed home sliding down to a 10 percent savings in the fifth year, totaling on average, more than a $1,000 in savings. The same scale would exist for the value of improvements made to existing homes."This is hundreds and hundreds of dollars on an annual basis to people," said Hein. "That makes a difference in making a mortgage payment, it makes a difference in people being able to get into a home, and that's an exciting part of this."The tax initiative also includes a 30 percent increase of property tax exemptions for low income seniors, veterans, and disabled residents. The legislature is expected to vote on the measures in April.Many first time home buyers are often overwhelmed in the home buying process, which is why it’s very important to have an experienced, knowledgeable Realtor who can help and guide them through the process.


One common question asked is “why buy now, when I can rent a little cheaper”? The answer: A home is an investment. When you rent, you write your monthly check and that money is gone forever. But when you own your home, you can deduct the cost of your mortgage loan interest from your federal income taxes, and usually from your state taxes. This will save you a lot each year, because the interest you pay will make up most of your monthly payment for most of the years of your mortgage. You can also deduct the property taxes you pay as a homeowner. In addition, the value of your home may go up over the years, and since it’s currently a buyer’s market and the addition of this proposed tax cut for first time home buyers, now is the prime time to buy!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 22 Mar 2012 20:34:52 -0400</pubDate>
                    </item>
    </channel>
</rss>
